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10 ways to check if you are ready for “Blog Profit Blueprint”

How do you know if you are ready to blog for profit? As I started this blog, I asked myself the same questions, and began to list down why I think I am ready for a venture like this. So before we get started on talking about how to build a profitable blog, let’s see if you - the aspiring blogger - share some of my thoughts:

  1. You must own at least one blog that you actively write on. Most people start off with a blog about their lives (hence the definition “online diary”), using simple standalone blog platforms (e.g. Blogger), or blogging service that come with certain websites (like Friendster blogs). If you don’t have one yet, it’ll do you a world good to start and maintain one to get used to the world of blogging, and the blogosphere that comes with it.
  2. You should know at least the main differences between a blog and a website. More importantly, what makes a blog better than a website. Blogs are better communication channels compared to normal website in many ways - from technical setup, fuss-free maintenance and usage, to high interactivity off and on the blog.
  3. You should have some basic knowledge in modifying and maintaining your blogging platform of choice. For Blogger, you should know things like how to install new templates and modify them. For WordPress, knowing how to modify and switch between templates, and testing with plugins is a must. Such expertise comes with experience, and it will save you a world of trouble when your blog matures and attracts lots of traffic.
  4. You should have a good flair for writing. While being 100% grammartically correct is not necessary, the ability to blog in a clear and easy-to-understand way is essential to give your readers a good impression. You should also use your own blogging voice when you write. This gives your posts a personal touch and become engaging, establishing a connection between you and your readers - a crucial factor of blogging success.
  5. You should be using some form of social networking sites (what is this?). If you don’t, it’s time to start. Your experience in using these sites will show you how blogosphere works outside your blog. You will also built networks of contacts that will become your leverage when you start to promote your profit-making blog. I have a couple for my personal use - StumbleUpon, del.icio.us, LinkedIn, Friendster and Facebook - add me! Others I intend to try out soon include Digg and reddit.
  6. You should have some ideas on how to make money online. From Google Adsense (you see them everywhere!) to earning affiliates commission to selling advertising space on your blog, there are thousand and one ways you will come across as you seek for the most optimum channels to monetise your blog. The choices available can be mind-boggling; therefore a little knowledge on these methods will help you along the way.
  7. You should know the basic of setting up your own blog, if you intend to run a blog on your own domain. Purchasing a domain name, pointing it to your server, hosting the site, installing your blogging platform… if this sounds too much for you, you can always opt for free services like (again) Blogger.com or WordPress.com, or get help from your techy friends.
  8. You must have the right mindset for blogging. Yes, we all know that you want to make money from your blog. But it will make a world of a difference if you blog about something you are passionate about, than something that you have little idea on (but heard that it will earn you loads of money). Think again. Rule of thumb - what you blog on should make you and your readers feel good.
  9. You should be already quite proactive online. Being active online - reading blogs, surfing the net, watching YouTube - is different from being proactive. You would understand the behaviour and thinking of your readers much better when you are a reader yourself - commenting on blogs, participating in forums, sharing your finds online (I use Tumblr) - and you’ll know the blogging landscape much better.
  10. You should already be actively reading blogs, either through a blog RSS feed reader (what’s this?) or blogroll. As you’ll be reading blogs that are of interest to you, chances are your readers will be, too (assuming that you are blogging on topics that you love). So get into their blog-reading mindset - what they like, what they don’t like, how they interact with their favourite bloggers etc. Check out my blogroll on the sidebar if you are interested in making money online (of course you are!), and get started on a RSS feed reader (Google Reader or Bloglines are good choices). Remember to subscribe to my feed!

I guess some of my factors above might not come across as crucial in your decision making process to start a blog. However they are important to me and made me feel confident that I am ready.

If yours are different from mine, do share.

June 7, 2007 | Filed Under Blog Strategies, General 
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Comments

7 Responses to “10 ways to check if you are ready for “Blog Profit Blueprint””

  1. Chee Kui on June 7th, 2007 3:35 pm

    Wow, you have an impressive blog here Razlan.

    Based on your work background and experience handling Taufik Batisah’s Fans site, I won’t be surprised if one day you can even beat Yaro Starak. ;)

    p/s: I have subscribed to your RSS feeds.

  2. Razlan on June 7th, 2007 3:54 pm

    Hey Chee Kui, that’s very fast of you! Thanks for dropping by. You gave me a big hat to wear, haha. Let’s hope this project won’t spiral out of control like the previous one did! :)

    (Subscribed to yours, too!)

  3. Chee Kui on June 7th, 2007 3:59 pm

    Lol.. I was about to publish an article on my blog when I saw your comment. That’s why it’s fast.
    Just like what the domain name suggest, let’s hope it will go viral. ;)

  4. Erwin Tan on June 9th, 2007 6:53 pm

    Hey Razlan,

    this is a great article. I will always be coming around to read more great articles from you.

    Thanks!

    Erwin

  5. Razlan on June 10th, 2007 5:53 am

    Hey Erwin,

    Welcome to Viral Voices! Glad that you liked the article. I have a few more planned, so do keep a lookout for it!

  6. Can blogs really make money? : Viral Voices on June 10th, 2007 3:46 pm

    […] that you are confident you are ready to blog for profit, you’ll need examine the next crucial question - can blogs really make […]

  7. Idetrorce on December 16th, 2007 2:37 am

    very interesting, but I don’t agree with you
    Idetrorce

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